Thursday, June 9, 2016

A quick update

Today I received a sweet email from Lynn S wondering if I was OK since I had not been blogging. Thanks Lynn, I was rather shocked to discover that my posters were missed. Well, rest assured that I am alive and well and stitching more than ever. I decided at the beginning of this year that I was getting so distracted by online activities that I was not actually getting the things done that I really wanted/needed to be working on and as a result, I took a break from blogging. I still have been posting on Instagram under happy_appliquer as that is quick and easy but certainly not as in depth. Anyway, here is what I have been up to lately.

As I mentioned in my last post, I am working on the Splendid Sampler. I am just loving these blocks and have kept up to date with all the blocks and bonus blocks and have even added a few extras. Here is where I am so far with 49 completed blocks. I suspect I will have lots more than the 100 blocks when I finish!

I am also keeping up to date with the 1857 Album quilt by Sentimental Stitches. These blocks are only 10" and with my controlled color palette they make great portable blocks as I don't need many thread colors. That is good as this spring has been very busy with guests and travel to see family.

I also started a Baltimore Album quilt that I had been planning for years. I had collected fabrics and patterns and saw that a FB friend was also going to start this quilt which encouraged me to begin. I just need to add the embroidery and this block will be finished. I just loved adding broderie perse and some shading to the flowers as it seems to add such depth and dimension to the block.

In April my son, Kevin Kosbab of Feed Dog Designs, who is a quilt designer came for a visit. He spoke at the Modern quilt guild and we played in my sewing room. I had this large paper pieced rosette on my wall and he asked what I was going to do with it. It is actually the first rosette in Katja Merek's Millefiori quilt and I knew would probably never complete. So while he was here I drew the peacocks, pulled a background fabric from my stash and began turning it into something else entirely. It was fun bouncing ideas off another quilter and I worked on it while he finished quilting a quilt of his on my longarm machine. Now on border ideas.

I also went to Paduch where I took a class on hand piecing from Carolyn Konig, a quilt designer from Australia. It was a wonderful class and I even completed the class project once I got home, however, I cannot find a photo of the finished product. Here is it partly complete.

In Paducah I found some great wool patterns from Carried Away designs. I loved this so much I finished it my first week home. So sweet and different from the usual primitive wool designs that are out there.

Unfortunately all of these things require lots of handwork and I have been struggling to come up with some machine piecing work that will keep me going. With that in mind I pulled out these little blocks for my Phebe quilt by Di Ford. I started making these blocks several years ago but stalled due to moving and constant distractions. I now have completed just over 1/2 of the total required of these stars.

And finally right now I am working on prepping my center for Phebe.

I am enjoying this one and am again reminded to focus on the projects I love and want to complete. Blogging is fun and I do love sharing but my little break has been a great time for me to rediscover the parts of quilting that are the most special to me. I still feel the pull to jump into the latest project that I see online but more and more I am content to just do my own thing.

30 comments:

It was nice reading your posts and seeing all of your projects. Lots of great work. I have been following you on Instagram, but it was interesting to read more in detail what you've been doing. It's just hard to do it all. (But we want to) hahaha

I can see why you don't have time for blogging! I'm spending much less time online that I had in years past. You're right that it takes away from valuable sewing time. Pop in every now and then to show us more of your beautiful blocks!!

So wonderful to see your post! All I can say is WOW!!! I just love the projects you pick and they are always so beautiful! I plan on starting my Baltimore Album soon too--but first must finished my Civil war Bride one. Phebe--those little sheep are just so sweet!

Dear Heather it has been a long time since I dropped in and then I read you have not been blogging this year LOL. My goodness know wonder you are not blogging you have been sooooo busy, how wonderful t o have your boy home and to be able to talk shop with him all weekend. Love love the colours you are making the 18.. Quilt in, I have seen others making it lately but not been tempted but seeing your colours I'm been tempted it looks beautiful. Been great reading all you are doing keep having fun. Cheers Glenda Down Under

Yes, your blogging has been missed. Glad you are well. All of your projects are gorgeous. I especially like your colors for the 1857 quilt. Your vase block is wonderful. I am amazed at how much your get done. Thank you for sharing.

Your work is SO awesome Heather and I'm happily following your progress on facebook! It was nice to see your Blog post today. Your work is always so inspiring, thank you for taking the time to share it all with us!

Missed you, but I too am trying to get away from the computer first thing in the AM. BAD HABIT. Back to having the morning java and sewing!

So good to see your progress and yes - blogging does take time. Your work is absolutely perfect. I love the 1857 blue quilt and the applique blocks! A friend in Washington state took a class from Carolyn Konig - loved it. Now I have another book in my "library".

You have accomplished a lot of stitching during your non-posting time. I really like the 1857 blocks done in the blues. I have not seen anyone else doing them in blue. And I love the bunny blocks you have in your sampler array. So many blocks done already.

You are working on so many lovely projects!! I love the Phebe quilt so much - yours will be gorgeous! I know about the pull of the next new thing online and wanting to make your own projects. I'm glad you're figuring out a better balance for yourself. Such gorgeous and inspiring blocks here / I want to go sew!! :0)

Wow, you have been busy. I've been admiring lots of different Splendid Sampler works in progress but I think you have made the most blocks so far. And they are all so beautiful, it will indeed be a splendid sampler. I also adore Caroline Koenig's work; your block looks almost like one of the Camelot blocks? Good for you to do your own thing and not jump on every band wagon which comes along! I'm starting to feel a bit like that too, mostly as I really need to finish some of my UFOs.

I do the same thing all the time! I'm like a bird seeing something shiny and having to go after it. My latest obsession is wool! It is so easy to work with-and I like those patterns by Carried Away. Thank you for posting the name. You seem to be accomplishing so much! I should get off the computer and do more stitching. Thank you for the motivation.